“I am obliged to you for your good opinion, but you know I am almost a school-girl. My governess has just left me. I have never thought of such a thing. And, Lord Montague, I cannot return your feeling. That is all. You must see how painful this is to me.”
“I wouldn't give you pain, Miss Mavick, not for the world. Perhaps when you think it over it will seem different to you. I am sure it will. Don't answer now, for good.”
“No, no, it cannot be,” said Evelyn, with something of alarm in her tone, for the full meaning of it all came over her as she thought of her mother.
“You are not offended?”
“No,” said Evelyn.
“I couldn't bear to offend you. You cannot think I would. And you will not be hard-hearted. You know me, Miss Mavick, just where I am. I'm just as I said.”
“The carriage is coming,” said Mrs. Mavick, who returned at this moment.
The group for an instant was silent, and then Evelyn said:
“We have waited so long; mamma, that I am a little tired, and you will excuse me from the drive this afternoon?”
“Certainly, my dear.”